Dark Circle Removal
Targeted treatment to lift pigmentation under the eye.
What it is
Rather than covering discolouration, this works to reduce it — a focused course of treatment aimed at breaking down and clearing excess pigmentation in the under-eye area and improving the quality of the skin there. Results build gradually across sessions, and how much change is achievable depends on whether the darkness is genuinely pigment or something else.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if
- Pigment-based under-eye darkness, including sun and genetic hyperpigmentation
- Post-inflammatory darkening from rubbing or eczema
- You would rather reduce the problem than camouflage it
- You can commit to a course rather than one session
Not right if
- Hollowing or structural shadow — no pigment treatment addresses this
- Active eczema or dermatitis around the eye
- You expect complete removal in one visit
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Your skin, specifically
- Skin tone
- Safe across skin tones when depth is controlled, and this is where technique genuinely matters. Deeper skin tones carry a real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if needling is too aggressive, so we work conservatively and build results over a course rather than pushing one deep session. Anyone prone to keloid scarring should tell us at consultation.
- Skin type
- Good across oily, dry and combination skin. Oily and acne-scarred skin responds particularly well to texture work. Active, inflamed acne is treated first — needling over an active breakout spreads bacteria.
- Age & skin maturity
- Younger skin usually comes for scarring and texture; middle and mature skin for firmness, fine lines and laxity. Collagen response slows with age, so mature skin generally needs a longer course for the same visible change — this is set out honestly at consultation.
Before & after care
Before your appointment
- Stop retinol, acids and other actives 5–7 days beforehand.
- No sun exposure, tanning or self-tan for 2 weeks.
- Reschedule if you have an active breakout, cold sore or infection in the area.
- Avoid blood thinners, alcohol and anti-inflammatories for 24 hours where your doctor agrees it is safe.
Aftercare
- No makeup for 24 hours — the channels are still open.
- Cleanse with lukewarm water and a gentle non-foaming cleanser only.
- No gym, sauna, steam or swimming for 48 hours.
- No retinol, acids or scrubs for 5–7 days.
- Redness like mild sunburn for 24–72 hours is normal; flaking around day 3–5 is normal. Do not exfoliate it off.
- SPF 30+ every day, without exception, for at least two weeks.
Common questions
How many sessions will I need?
Usually a course of three to six, spaced a few weeks apart. Genetic pigmentation is more stubborn than sun-related pigmentation, and this is assessed honestly at your first visit.
Will it remove the darkness completely?
Reduction is realistic; complete removal often is not, particularly with genetic pigmentation. We would rather set that expectation now than have you disappointed after session three.
Is this better than under-eye camouflage?
Different, not better. This reduces pigment; camouflage covers it. The right choice depends on what is causing your darkness.